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Authentic Leche de Tigre Recipe Peru, South America

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We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though

Introduction & history

Leche de tigre, or "tiger's milk," is a staple in Peruvian cuisine with a history deeply entwined with the traditional dish of ceviche. This zesty concoction was initially seen only as a byproduct of ceviche preparation. As ceviche gained popularity, the flavorful marinade became celebrated in its own right. Leche de tigre is reputed for its invigorating properties, often touted as a hangover cure and an aphrodisiac. The preparation of leche de tigre involves a simple yet specific blend of ingredients. Fresh lime juice forms an acidic base, which is crucial for its sharp, tangy flavor. This is combined with fish stock and pieces of firm white fish like seabass or flounder, adding a savory depth. Aromatic elements include thinly sliced onions, garlic, celery, and ginger. Cilantro leaves and ají and rocoto peppers are added for a citrusy note and a heat punch. The mixture is blended until smooth and then strained to achieve a clear, potent liquid. Leche de tigre is traditionally ... Read more

Recipe variations

Leche de Tigre by Gastón Acurio

PREP 20min

READY IN 20min

4.4

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The following is the leche de tigre recipe by the famed Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, a chef, writer, restauranter, and ambassador of Peruvian cuisine responsible for reinventing Peruvian gastronomy. Here, leche de tigre is prepared with various types of seafood: silverside, squid, seafood of your choice, and fish scraps. The only liquid used is lime juice, and lots of it, as well as two types of peppers for heat: ají limo and rocoto.

Ingredients

2 Servings

50g (1.75 oz) silverside fillets

50g (1.75 oz) squid, previously soaked in hot water

50g (1.75 oz) favorite seafood

50g (1.75 oz) fish scrap

salt to taste

pepper to taste

1 garlic clove

4 tbsp rocoto liquefied

2 branches of coriander

1 stalk of celery

1/4 red onion

1 ají limo pepper without veins or seeds

1/2 rocoto pepper without veins or seeds

3 cups (720 ml) lime juice

1 pinch ginger, optional

FOR SERVING

shelled corn and canchita

Preparation

Step 1/5

Start by finely chopping 50 grams (1.75 oz) each of silverside fillet or any preferred fresh fish, squid (pre-soaked in hot water), and your choice of seafood.

Step 2/5

In a blender, combine fish scraps, a dash of salt and pepper, one garlic clove, two cilantro branches, one celery stalk, a quarter of an onion, one limo chili, and half a rocoto (both deseeded and deveined), along with three cups of lemon juice. Optionally, add a pinch of ginger.

Step 3/5

Blend the mixture thoroughly, then strain it. Stir in 4 tablespoons of blended rocoto.

Step 4/5

Season to taste with salt. Mix in the previously chopped seafood, along with some chopped onion, ají limo, and cilantro as per your preference.

Step 5/5

Garnish with shelled corn and canchita (toasted corn) to complete the dish.

Cooking tips

  • texture

    For a creamier texture, add a splash of evaporated milk.

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